Chris Butler and Paul Byron: The Newest Flames

Chris Butler

So who exactly did the Flames get in return for Robyn Regehr?

Well, Their names are Chris Butler and Paul Byron. Butler is a defenceman who's played a couple seasons in the NHL with the Sabres and Byron is a small forward who played a handful of big league games but has mostly toiled in the minors. Byron can score, as is evident in his stats seen below. I wouldn't call the trade a write off quite yet.

Remember when we traded Theo Fleury to Colorado for some young defenceman named Reggie?

Regehr Traded and Tanguay Signs

Exhibit A: Regehr on Hemsky

The Robyn Regehr era in Calgary has come to an end.


After spending 11 seasons donning the flaming C, Regehr will have a new address in Buffalo, NY.

The durable defenceman (he has only missed 15 games in the last 5 seasons) was one of the Flames true leaders, and the second longest tenured player behind the one, the only, Jarome Iginla.

He will be missed in these parts.

I think the happiest person in Alberta right now has to be Ales Hemsky though. Hemsky will no longer have to endure getting tossed around like a Raggedy Ann doll in the corners by the hulking Regehr. For so many years, Regehr has made it his top priority to ensure that Hemsky can’t even peel himself off the end boards.

This is my fondest memory of Rocket Robyn and I will miss him.

But in saying that, I understand the need to trade him.

Bye Bye Birdie: Robyn on his way out of Calgary?

It looks like Robyn Regehr could be on his way out of Calgary.


The second longest tenured Flame and a perennial team leader could be packing his bags and moving to Buffalo.

This move would free up $4 million for the team and open the door for another move – a move that would have something to do with Ryan Smyth becoming a Calgary Flame or so the rumours are saying.

It’s also being speculated that Stajan and/or Hagman could be involved in the Regehr deal as well, which would really help the team shed some serious dough.

Am I happy to see Regehr leaving?

Yes and no.

He’s been a fixture on the blue line for the last 11 years. He has the ability to instil fear in forwards making a break into the Flames zone. He’s mean, which is what a lot of fans loved about him.